PSYCHOLOGICAL support is needed to help the victims of last year’s Cyclone Nargis resume their lives, a senior Buddhist monk has said.

Earlier this year the Venerable Vilarthetgga, who runs the Saddhamaransi Meditation Centre in Yangon, organised psychosocial support seminars in Labutta township in the Ayeyarwady delta.

“The purpose of the seminar is to lift people’s spirits from the Buddhist point of view,” the Venerable Vilarthetgga said.

“At the seminars, people affected by Nargis reflect on Buddhist teachings to help ease their tensions, overcome their tragic experiences and cope with the fear and anxiety due to the cyclone,” he said.

Even though material support such as food, shelter, clothing and even help in re-establishing livelihoods was provided by UN agencies, NGOs, donors and the government, mental and spiritual support is also necessary, he said.

“It’s not really about dharma. It is discussion about how to overcome their mental trauma,” the Venerable Vilarthetgga added.

Everybody has to face difficulties in life. The meaning of life is to overcome the difficulties, he said.

The seminars encourage survivors to express their feelings at losing their family or property.

Then they are taught how to withstand the vicissitudes of life based on Buddha’s philosophy.

“It can be fruitful for them as they are imbued with awareness of how to overcome psychosocial difficulties instead of dwelling on the disaster,” the Venerable Vilarthetgga said.

“Listening to their expressions of feeling with sympathy can help encourage their mental power,” he said.

“I strongly believe our program is simple but effective in motivating people.”